surprisingly, it only takes a minute for Thomas to explain the various driving aids on board the V-Strom.
Two levels of traction control, it couldn't be simpler.
a welcome change from this year's "big trail" tests.
The race for power, astronomical prices and a profusion of electronics has been on for some time now.
So, will "simplicity" detract from the riding pleasure of this new Suzuki?
v-Strom 1000, back to basics? By Oli le Belge
when I programmed this test into my schedule and reviewed the photos of the bike, I leapt back in time to find myself 25 years behind the wheel of a DR 800 Big taking my driving test!
so many memories, a monstrous 50 hp single, a "different" look and, above all, the legendary piston stroke.
Well, okay, but why tell you about the DR?
Quite simply because the V-Strom is the descendant of the BIG, and even though it's equipped with a twin-cylinder, its look and duckbill are reminiscent of its illustrious elder.
let's take a look at it.
after straddling the bike and being astonished by the low seat height (865 mm) for a trail bike, I'm greeted by Suzuki's well-known speedometer unit, which is fitted to a number of models.
It contains all the necessary information.
I realize that the gear indicator has become standard equipment over the seasons!
off we go.
the 1037 cc twin-cylinder (the reworked block from the SV) starts up and graces me with a rather pleasant melody.
it doesn't clatter like a Katoche, but the sound is livelier than a GS (old generation) or a Super T.
i set off for a short warm-up ride. The weather is radiant and I'm immediately enjoying riding this bike.
However, after a year full of testing extraordinary motorcycles, I was afraid this 1000 would be bland.
Nothing of the sort; I just cruise along, never exceeding the first third of the rev counter.
The mill allows you to ride energetically without ever pulling in.
the power of just over 100 hp is there just in case, but my mood of the day is to stroll.
But what if, after all, you could also enjoy a comfortable ride?
The V-Strom is perfect for this.
The high position allows you to relax your legs, your chest is well protected and the clutch and gearbox are extremely smooth.
the economical alternative?
i think Suzuki developed this V-Strom for emerging markets.
Equipped with simplified electronics, the bike will be reliable and easy to maintain.
Does this mean it has to be less sexy?
The answer is no!
I spent a lot of time behind the wheel of the DL, and rediscovered a simple way of riding a motorcycle.
for 12,499 euros, the investment pays for itself in no time.
See you soon,
Oli the Belgian
Image credits: Suzuki
Video credits: Olivier Quinten
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Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 23 reviews
1000 XT !! Rating : 5/5 Respond to Pat12
I'm not sorry I kept my 1000 Vstrom, no problems in 2 1/2 years and 28,000 kms, but I'm going to wait for the XT version of the 1000 to come out. I think it looks nice in black. Rating : 5/5 Respond to Orange
228 kgs en ordre de marche ,,, tte la presse moto indique 228 a vide ????
100 hp ,,,, I read 145 hp ,,,, where is the real ???? Rating : 3/5 Respond to phil03
I'm thinking of replacing it next year for the new black 1000 XT,nicer with its spoked rims. Phil, go to Suz and try one out, and we'll talk later if you like!
FYI, it's 4.8l/100, 100hp and 228kg! Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation
what's the point of this bike??? it's a replica of the 650 with the only differences being front brake calipers and traction control (to pass on unusable excess power)...... a range of 120 kms inferior to the 650 ,,,and 15 kgs more,,,,,and 4500 euros more ,,,, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER TO ADD 100 cm3 and 15 horses to the 650 ,,,that would have been perfect.......MAISSSSSSSS voila ,,, the customers we don't care about ,,, must be able to say = me too I have a big cube ,,,,,SUZUKI ,must renew the staf,,,,, Rating : 3/5 Respond to philippe03
Personally, I've tried both models, as well as much more powerful trails (ktm 1290 and multistrada in particular). If you don't know how to exploit 100hp on a trail as well-balanced and cushioned as this one, you'd be better off sticking with the 650 and letting others enjoy its big sister. But please don't put others off with your peremptory judgments... Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation
my judgements reflect the tests I read in various magazines ,,, and my remarks are coherent, I think, in view of the price difference between these 2 twin models, which differ only in bore x stroke ,,, calipers and anti-slip ,,,, = almost 5000 euros for these differences
my words in no way detract from the qualities of these 2 machines
and for info= I ride a triumph 955 sprint RS and a tiger 955
sincerely Rating : 3/5 Participate in the conversation
The AT rides on its reputation and the current biker pseudi-doxa, it's very beautiful but almost soulless, whereas the suzuki has an ugly duckling beak, hasn't made any com\' to attract bobos and/or pseudo adventurers (90% of ATs will never leave the roads), but it gives 1000 times more sensations...
If you're looking for an economical, comfortable and powerful all-rounder, look no further. Go to the bon coin, and you'll find one for less than 9000e, including luggage! Forget about paying 14000e new for a DCT where your right foot touches the exhaust, where the bubble is ineffective and where you have to wait patiently for 5000 rpm to overtake a xantia.... Rating : 5/5 Respond to Lahouz
Rating : 4/5 Respond to Gilles
But I tried it on and it's really great! Rating : 4/5 Respond to al
Rating : 5/5 Respond to WILDSTAR
i've been riding my v strom 1000 since february 2014, and it's already 9650 km, so happy .... Rating : 5/5 Respond to jjb
i like it, a good compromise between technology and mechanics, a bit like in the good old days, a no-fuss bike. Too bad for the cardan shaft or a belt, it would be top-notch,
let's wait for the arrival of the TDM to see, and then .... I'll make my decision. bon route a tous!!! Rating : 3/5 Respond to Moto
I'm also waiting for a new Yam or Honda trail bike, 220kg max, 2 or 3 cylinders, 800cm3 max, to compare.
I'd still like to try out the suz, which looks to have a torquey engine just the way we like it! Rating : 3/5 Participate in the conversation